5 Muslim Women Artists Whose Powerful Work You Should Know

Morehshin Allahyari. Photo by Sarah Wang, courtesy of the artist.

As anyone who has admired the tiling on thewalls of a mosqueor the intricate carvings on its ceilings knows, art has long held a special place in Muslim communities around the world. FromCasablanca to Malaysia, our places of worship have been recognized by Muslims and non-Muslims alike as works of art.

But it's not just these spaces that exhibit our talent and artistry, outside of the mosque, famous Muslim artists like Sughra Rababi andLubna Aghamade a name for themselves using their faith and community as inspirations for their work. Today, in every facet of the art world, Muslim women artists are creating, growing, and inspiring others.

In honor of Muslim Women's Day, here are five Muslim women artists making incredible work today who you should know and support.

Yumna al-Arashi

London-based photographer, filmmaker, and writer Yumna al-Arashi explores feminism and sexuality in her work—and often, but not always, how the two themes relate to the Middle East. Arashi, whose family is from Yemen, has a "strong disdain" for the way that Arab and Muslim women are represented in media and uses her art to highlight their complexities.

Ejatu Shaw

London-based multidisciplinary artistEjatu Shawtries to draw out the feelings of her subjects in her photographs. In her editorial and documentary work, Shaw uses strong lines and colors that command our attention.

Safia Elhillo

Sudanese-American poet Safia Elhillo uses her work to explore identity and colonialism. Her poetry bookThe January Childrenexpresses the emotions that come with navigating a Sudanese identity in the aftermath of the British occupation. Today, Elhillo travels around the world performing her poetry and sharing the stage with esteemed poets like Sonia Sanchez.